Noiselessly Mr. Max slid up to the group, and stood silent, his eyes wide, his yellow face pitiful, the fear of a dog about to be whipped in his every feature.
"Jim," he cried, "Jim! You got to get me out of this. You got to stand by me."
"Why, what's the matter, Lou?" asked the mayor in surprise.
"Matter enough," whined Max. "Do you know what's happened? Well, I'll tell—"
Mr. Max was thrust aside, and replaced by a train newsboy. Mr. Magee felt that he should always remember that boy, his straw colored hair, his freckled beaming face, his lips with their fresh perpetual smile.
"All the morning papers, gents," proclaimed the boy. "Get the Reuton Star. All about the bribery."
He held up the paper. It's huge black head-lines looked dull and old and soggy. But the story they told was new and live and startling.
"The Mayor Trapped," shrilled the head-lines. "Attempt to Pass Big Bribe at Baldpate Inn Foiled by Star Reporter. Hayden of the Suburban Commits Suicide to Avoid Disgrace."
"Give me a paper, boy," said the mayor. "Yes—a Star." His voice was even, his face unmoved. He took the sheet and studied it, with an easy smile. Clinging in fear to his side, Max read, too. At length Mr. Cargan spoke, looking up at Magee.
"So," he remarked. "So—reporters, eh? You and your lady friend? Reporters for this lying sheet—the Star?"